Vulnerability identifier: #VU5060

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 8.4 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2016-0165

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper handling of objects in memory by the kernel-mode driver. A local attacker can run a specially crafted program, gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system.

Note: the vulnerability was being actively exploited.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: Vista, 7, 8.1 - 8.1 RT, 10

Windows Server: 2008 - 2012 R2

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External links
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms16-039

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.